Removal of ‘pontifical secret’ in clerical sex abuse trials a step forward for justice

Move brings balance of rights to victim and allows sharing of files with civil authorities

Pope abolishes ‘pontifical secrecy’ for sex abuse investigations

Lifting of ‘pontifical secrecy’ in sex abuse inquiries was key demand by Church leaders

New ways of reporting bishops who cover up abuse called for at Vatican summit

Cardinal suggests dedicated telephone line to receive allegations at meeting convened by Pope Francis

Vatican summit could be defining moment for Pope Francis

Lack of forceful action has disgusted and disheartened many sexual abuse victims

Woman tells Vatican summit abuser priest forced her to have abortions

Pope says church needs ‘concrete measures’ to combat sex abuse

Pope defrocks two Chilean bishops over abuse allegations

Clerics not among 34 who offered resignation over countrywide scandal in May

Breda O’Brien: Francis needs to answer the questions and fire bishops who cover up abuse

Ordinary Catholics are angry and in near despair due to the worldwide failure of the institutional Church to institute transparent mechanisms of accountability for the cover-up of abuse of children by clergy

Chilean bishops offer mass resignation over abuse scandal

Total of 34 prelates tell Pope Francis they are willing to stand down due to alleged cover-up

Pope Francis acknowledges ‘grave mistakes’ in Chile sex abuse crisis

In letter to Chilean bishops, pope invites victims he doubted to Rome to beg forgiveness

Catholic Malta votes to legalise same-sex marriage

Malta becomes the 15th EU nation to ‘modernise the institution of marriage’

Pope Francis accepts resignation of Scottish cardinal Keith O’Brien

Allegations of sexual harassment led prelate to miss out on the conclave that elected pope

Vatican to investigate allegations surrounding Scottish cardinal

Bishop being sent to Scotland to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct concerning Cardinal Keith O’Brien

Pope Francis defends Catholic Church’s handling of sex abuse crisis

Pontiff sharply criticised by lobby groups for abuse victims

Where responsibility lies for the Vatican on children’s rights